Part of Operation Torch (the Allied invasion of North Africa), it was an attempted landing of troops directly into the harbour at Oran in Algeria.

[2] The purpose of Operation Reservist was to capture the valuable facilities and ships at the Vichy French port of Oran before they could be destroyed.

There were 31 French ships in the port which did considerable damage to the Allied vessels.

Of the 393 American infantrymen of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Armored Infantry Regiment, 189 were killed and 157 wounded.

[3] Walney made it alongside the jetty and succeeded in landing a small number of men.